NPR News Now – 09-26-2025 1PM EDT

Overview

This concise episode delivers the latest global headlines as of 1PM EDT, September 26, 2025. The report covers major political and economic developments in the U.S., Middle East, and Canada, focusing on ongoing legal actions involving high-profile American figures, shifting diplomatic postures on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, bold new U.S. pharmaceutical tariffs, a major Canadian postal strike, and domestic National Guard deployments.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Indictment of Former FBI Director James Comey

• President Trump reacts to the new indictment of former FBI Director James Comey for allegedly lying to Congress five years ago, an action pursued by Trump’s recently appointed interim U.S. attorney in Virginia.
• Tamara Keith (NPR White House Correspondent) reports on Trump’s continuing pressure on the Justice Department to prosecute political opponents.
• James Comey, via his spokesperson, maintains his innocence and anticipates exoneration at trial.

Notable Quotes:

• [00:54] Donald Trump: “It’s about justice, really. It’s not revenge, it’s about justice. You know, it’s also about the fact that you can’t let this go on. They are sick, radical left people and they can’t get away with it. And Comey, Comey was one of the people. He wasn’t the biggest, but he’s a dirty cop.”
• [01:13] Tamara Keith: “Comey says he is innocent and he looks forward to proving it at trial.”

2. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Addresses the UN

• Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu faces a mixed reception at the UN General Assembly as dozens of diplomats walk out in protest before his address. He steadfastly rebuffs international criticism of Israel’s continuing military offensive in Gaza and directs a message of solidarity to hostages held by Hamas.

Notable Quote:

• [01:39] Benjamin Netanyahu: “Our brave heroes… We have not forgotten you, not even for a second. The people of Israel are with you. We will not falter and we will not rest until we bring all of you home.”

3. US Diplomacy and the Palestinian State

• President Trump is set to meet Netanyahu soon, but has aligned with Arab leaders in barring Israel from annexing the occupied West Bank. Several Western nations have formally recognized a Palestinian state, spotlighting growing divergence from historical US-Israel policy.

4. Trump Announces 100% Tariffs on Brand Name Drugs

• Sidney Lupkin (NPR health reporter) details President Trump’s bold new 100% tariff on imported brand-name pharmaceuticals effective October 1st, unless companies are building manufacturing capacity in the US. These tariffs exclude generic drugs, which make up about 90% of US prescriptions.
• The move is seen as incentivizing domestic drug production; several manufacturers have already announced US factory plans.

Key Segment:

• [02:30-03:06] Sidney Lupkin: Emphasizes uncertainty about consumer impact but notes clear exclusions and exceptions for manufacturers investing in the US.

5. Stock Market Update

• [03:06, 04:50] The Dow is up over 340 points (three-quarters of a percent), with gains also reflected in the S&P (+33) and NASDAQ (+58) as of this hour.

6. National Guard Deployment to Memphis

• Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announces the deployment method for National Guard troops to Memphis, emphasizing they will be Tennessee-based, deputized by US Marshals, and unarmed unless requested by local police. The move contrasts with other recent National Guard deployments to Democratic-led cities.
• Political tensions surface as critics allege that Trump’s use of military resources is targeting Democratic-strongholds.

7. Canada’s Postal Service Strike

• Dan Karpenchuk (NPR Canadian Correspondent) reports on a nationwide postal strike following sweeping federal changes, including closures and ending door-to-door delivery service.
• The government deems the situation an “existential crisis,” citing $10 million in daily losses and a move toward community mailbox expansion.

Notable Quote:

• [04:13] Dan Karpenchuk: “Mail and parcel delivery have slowed. It is losing about $10 million a day, and repeated government bailouts are not the Solution…. the moratorium on expanding the use of community mailboxes will soon end.”

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• [00:54] Donald Trump: “It’s about justice, really. It’s not revenge, it’s about justice.”
• [01:39] Benjamin Netanyahu: “We will not falter and we will not rest until we bring all of you home.”
• [02:30] Sidney Lupkin: “It’s unclear how broadly the tariff will affect consumers… and he’s making an exception for companies that are expanding manufacturing in the U.S.”
• [04:13] Dan Karpenchuk: “Mail and parcel delivery have slowed. It is losing about $10 million a day, and repeated government bailouts are not the Solution.”

Timeline of Key Segments

• 00:18 – 01:13: Trump, Comey indictment, and Trump’s remarks ([Trump & Tamara Keith])
• 01:22 – 02:00: Netanyahu at UN, hostages ([Netanyahu quote])
• 02:00 – 02:30: US & Israel/Palestine policy shift; Western allies recognize Palestine
• 02:30 – 03:06: Drug tariff announcement ([Sidney Lupkin])
• 03:06, 04:50: Stock market update
• 03:25 – 04:13: National Guard in Memphis
• 04:13 – 04:50: Canadian postal strike ([Dan Karpenchuk])

Summary

This episode captures fast-moving political, diplomatic, and economic developments. It foregrounds President Trump’s intensified pursuit of former officials, Israel’s ongoing conflict with Gaza and shifting global diplomacy, significant domestic policy on pharmaceuticals, unrest over National Guard deployments, and international labor actions with major implications for mail service in Canada. The reporting is direct, balanced, and urgent—a snapshot of major news as it unfolds.